CN110811706A - Latch assembly and surgical instrument including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a latch assembly and a surgical instrument comprising the same. The latch assembly of the surgical instrument of the present invention includes a rod having a distal engaging portion, an intermediate portion and a proximal manipulable portion. The proximal manipulable portion includes an outer surface including a side surface, a side wall depending from and along the side surface of the outer surface and surrounding the proximal end of the outer surface, a lip extending from the side wall to define a shelf extending outwardly from the side wall along the side surface of the outer surface and surrounding the proximal end of the outer surface, and a proximal stop disposed on and extending toward the shelf at the proximal end of the outer surface.

Description

Latch assembly and surgical instrument including the same

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/717,971, filed 2018, 8, 13, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, such as surgical clip appliers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to latch assemblies for surgical clip appliers and surgical clip appliers including the latch assemblies.

Background

Surgical clip appliers are known in the art and are used in many different and useful surgical procedures. In the case of laparoscopic surgery, access to the interior of the abdomen is achieved through a narrow tube or cannula inserted through a small entry incision in the skin. Minimally invasive procedures performed elsewhere in the body are commonly referred to as endoscopic procedures.

Endoscopic surgical clip appliers having various sizes (e.g., diameters) are known in the art that are configured to apply a variety of different surgical clips, and that are capable of applying a single or multiple surgical clips during access to a body cavity. Such surgical clips are typically made of biocompatible materials and are typically compressed on tissue. Once applied to the tissue, the compressed surgical clip terminates the flow of fluid through the blood vessel.

Disclosure of Invention

As detailed herein and shown in the accompanying figures, the term "proximal" refers to the end of the device or component thereof that is closer to the user, and the term "distal" refers to the end of the device or component thereof that is further from the user, as conventionally indicated when referring to relative positioning on a surgical instrument. Further, to the extent consistent, any or all aspects and features described herein may be used in combination with any or all other aspects and features described herein.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a latch assembly for a surgical instrument, the latch assembly comprising a rod having a distal engaging portion, an intermediate portion and a proximal manipulatable portion. The proximal manipulable portion includes an outer surface including a side surface, a side wall depending from and along the side surface of the outer surface and surrounding the proximal end of the outer surface, a lip extending from the side wall to define a shelf extending outwardly from the side wall along the side surface of the outer surface and surrounding the proximal end of the outer surface, and a proximal stop disposed on and extending toward the shelf at the proximal end of the outer surface.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the sidewall extends in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the outer surface and/or the lip extends in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the sidewall.

In another aspect of the invention, the proximal stop defines a stop surface and the first and second angled guide surfaces are disposed on either side of the stop surface.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the latch assembly further includes a pivot pin pivotally supporting the middle portion of the lever thereon, and a biasing member operatively coupled to the pivot pin.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the rod is a one-piece metal piece.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer surface defines a pocket therein configured to receive a finger of a user.

A handle assembly of a surgical instrument provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes a housing defining an incision, a drive assembly disposed within the housing, a trigger pivotally connected to the housing, and a latch assembly. A trigger is operatively associated with the drive assembly and is movable relative to the housing from an unactuated position to an actuated position to actuate the drive assembly. And a latch assembly operatively connected to the housing and including a lever movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the housing. The rod includes a distal engaging portion configured to releasably engage an elongate component inserted into the housing, an intermediate portion movably connected to the housing to allow the rod to move relative to the housing, and a proximal operable portion.

The proximal manipulable portion of the lever includes an outer surface that substantially completely occupies the cutout of the housing in the engaged position of the lever, the outer surface including sides, a sidewall depending from the outer surface along the sides of the outer surface and surrounding the proximal end of the outer surface, a lip, and a proximal stop. A lip extends from the sidewall to define a shelf extending outwardly from the sidewall along a side of the outer surface and around a proximal end of the outer surface. In the engaged position of the lever, the shelf extends outwardly beyond the cutout of the housing to at least partially overlap the inner surface of the housing. A proximal stop is disposed on the shelf at a proximal end of the outer surface and extends toward the outer surface. In the engaged position of the lever, the proximal stop is configured to abut a portion of the inner surface of the housing.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the sidewall extends in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the outer surface and/or the lip extends in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the sidewall.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the proximal stop defines a stop surface configured to abut a portion of an inner surface of the housing in the engaged position of the lever. The proximal stop may additionally or alternatively define first and second angled guide surfaces configured to contact a portion of the inner surface of the housing to guide the outer surface into alignment with the notch when the lever is moved to the engaged position.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the latch assembly further includes a pivot pin pivotally connecting the intermediate portion of the lever with the housing to allow the lever to pivot between the engaged position and the disengaged position, and a biasing member operatively connected to the pivot pin and configured to bias the latch toward the engaged position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the housing is formed of a first material and the rod is formed of a second, different material.

A surgical instrument provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes an elongate assembly including a proximal hub, a shaft extending distally from the proximal hub, and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The surgical instrument further includes a handle assembly according to any of the aspects detailed above or otherwise. The latch assembly of the handle assembly is configured to releasably engage the elongated assembly with the handle assembly.

Drawings

Aspects and features of the presently disclosed latch assembly for a surgical instrument, such as a surgical clip applier, and a surgical clip applier including the same, are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate similar or identical structural elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscopic surgical clip applier provided in accordance with the present disclosure including a handle assembly having an elongate assembly engaged therewith;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the proximal end portion of the endoscopic surgical clip applier of FIG. 1, illustrating engagement of the elongate member with the handle assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the endoscopic surgical clip applier of FIG. 1, with the elongate assembly disengaged from the handle assembly;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the proximal end portion of the endoscopic surgical clip applier of FIG. 1, illustrating the handle assembly after disengagement and retraction of the elongate assembly from the handle assembly;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a distal end portion of an elongate assembly of the endoscopic surgical clip applier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a distal end portion of another elongate assembly configured for use with the endoscopic surgical clip applier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the endoscopic surgical clip applier of FIG. 1, with portions shown transparent, illustrating engagement of the elongated assembly with the handle assembly via a lever of a latch assembly of the handle assembly;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a portion of the endoscopic surgical clip applier of FIG. 1, showing a lever of a latch assembly of the handle assembly positioned relative to a housing of the handle assembly;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the lever of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side perspective view of the detail area labeled "10" in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged end view of the proximal portion of the rod of FIG. 7.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure provides a latch assembly for a surgical instrument and a surgical instrument including the latch assembly. Although incorporated into a surgical clip applier as described in detail herein, the latch assembly of the present disclosure may alternatively be incorporated into any suitable surgical instrument.

1-4, an endoscopic surgical clip applier embodying aspects and features of the present disclosure is shown generally and designated by reference numeral 10. Surgical clip applier 10 generally includes a handle assembly 100 and a plurality of elongated members 200 (fig. 1-5), 300 (fig. 6) selectively connectable to handle assembly 100. Handle assembly 100 is configured to operate each of the plurality of elongate assemblies 200,300 when connected thereto, and may be configured as a sterilizable, reusable component such that handle assembly 100 may be reused with different and/or additional elongate assemblies 200,300 during one or more surgical procedures. The elongated members 200,300 may be configured as single-use disposable components, limited-use disposable components, or reusable components, depending on the particular purpose and/or configuration of the particular elongated member. In either configuration, the need for multiple handle assemblies 100 is avoided, and instead, the surgeon need only select the appropriate elongated assembly 200,300 and attach it to the handle assembly 100 ready for use.

The handle assembly 100 generally includes a housing 110, an actuation mechanism 120 operatively associated with the housing 110, a ratchet mechanism 150 operatively disposed within the housing 110, and a rotation knob assembly 170 operatively coupled to a distal portion of the housing 110. A latch assembly 160 provided in accordance with the present disclosure is also operatively associated with the housing 110, as described below. The housing 110 supports and/or encloses the operating components of the handle assembly 100. Actuation mechanism 120 is configured to selectively remove one or more surgical clips (not shown) from an attached end effector of the elongate assembly. When an elongated assembly configured for ratchet actuation is connected to the handle assembly 100, the ratchet mechanism 150 is capable of ratcheting the drive rod 130 of the actuation mechanism 120. The latch assembly 160 is configured to facilitate releasable locking engagement of the elongated assembly with the handle assembly 100. Rotating the knob assembly 170 enables the attached elongated assembly to be selectively rotated relative to the housing 110.

With additional reference to fig. 5 and 6, as noted above, the handle assembly 100 is configured for use with different elongated assemblies, such as the elongated assembly 200 (fig. 5) and the elongated assembly 300 (fig. 6). More specifically, the handle assembly 100 is configured for ratcheting use, such as with the elongated assembly 200 (fig. 5), and non-ratcheting use, such as with the elongated assembly 300 (fig. 6). The elongated members 200,300 are briefly described below. A more detailed discussion of elongate assemblies such as elongate assemblies 200,300 configured for use with handle assembly 100 may be found in international patent application publication WO/2018/035796 filed on 26/2016, WO/2017/124217 filed on 18/1/2016, and/or WO/2017/059587 filed on 10/2015, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring to fig. 1-5, the elongate assembly 200 is configured for ratcheting use and generally includes a proximal hub 220, an elongate shaft 240 extending distally from the proximal hub 220, an end effector assembly 260 disposed toward a distal portion of the elongate shaft 240, and an internal drive assembly (not shown) operably coupled between the handle assembly 100 and the end effector assembly 260 when the elongate assembly 200 is engaged with the handle assembly 100 to enable sequential removal of at least one surgical clip (not shown) about tissue. The end effector assembly 260 of the elongate assembly 200 may be configured to fire surgical clips similar to those shown and described in U.S. patent 7,819,886 or U.S. patent 7,905,890, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The proximal hub 220 of the elongate member 200 defines a plurality of indexing projections 222, the indexing projections 222 being annularly disposed toward the distal portion thereof (see fig. 4). The indexing projections 222 are configured to be slidably received within longitudinally extending grooves 178 defined within the outer knob 172 of the rotation knob assembly 170 to rotationally fix the proximal hub 220 of the elongate assembly 200 relative to the rotation knob assembly 170 when the proximal hub 220 is inserted therethrough. As such, in use, rotation of the outer knob 172 of the rotation knob assembly 170 relative to the housing 110 effects a corresponding rotation of the elongated assembly 200 relative to the housing 110.

The proximal hub 220 also defines an annular channel 224 towards its proximal end and a chamfered proximal edge 226. As discussed below, as the proximal hub 220 is inserted through the knob assembly 170 and into the body portion 111 of the housing 110, the chamfered proximal edge 226 projects the engagement teeth 180 of the stem 162 of the latch assembly 160 on the outer surface of the proximal hub 220 until the engagement teeth 180 are disposed in alignment with the annular channel 224, whereby the engagement teeth 180 fall into engagement within the annular groove 224 to engage the proximal hub 220 with the handle assembly 100 and thus the elongate assembly 200 with the handle assembly 100.

Referring to fig. 6, elongate assembly 300 is configured for non-ratcheting use and generally includes a proximal hub (not shown), an elongate shaft 340 extending distally from the proximal hub, an end effector assembly 360 disposed toward a distal portion of elongate shaft 340, and an internal drive assembly (not shown) operably coupled between handle assembly 100 and end effector assembly 360 when elongate assembly 300 is engaged with handle assembly 100 (fig. 1) so as to be able to grasp and/or manipulate tissue, retrieve a surgical clip, and remove the surgical clip around the tissue. It is contemplated that end effector assembly 360 of elongate assembly 300 may be configured to fire surgical clips similar to those shown and described in U.S. patent 4,834,096, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring additionally to fig. 1-4, similar to proximal hub 220 of elongate member 200, the proximal hub (not shown) of elongate member 300 may further include indexing projections to rotationally fix elongate member 300 and/or the annular channel and chamfered proximal edge relative to rotation knob assembly 170 when the proximal hub is inserted therethrough, thereby facilitating engagement of engagement teeth 180 of shaft 162 of latch assembly 160 with elongate member 300 to engage the elongate member with handle assembly 100.

Although the exemplary inner elongated assemblies 200,300 are described in detail above as being configured for ratcheting and non-ratcheting applications, respectively, it is contemplated that various other elongated assemblies for performing various different surgical tasks and/or having various different configurations suitable for ratcheting and non-ratcheting applications may likewise be used with the handle assembly 100.

Returning to fig. 1-4, the housing 110 of the handle assembly 100 may be formed of first and second housing halves 110a, 110b (fig. 8) that cooperate to define a main body portion 111 and a stationary handle portion 112 depending from the main body portion 111. The main body portion 111 of the housing 110 includes an inner pivot post 114 extending laterally within the main body portion 111 and a distal nose 116 defining a distal opening 118 therethrough. A proximal portion of the proximal hub of the elongate member, such as proximal hub 220 of elongate member 200 or a proximal hub (not shown) of elongate member 300 (fig. 6), is configured to extend at least partially through distal opening 118 of distal nose 116 of housing 110 when the elongate member is engaged with handle assembly 100.

The actuation mechanism 120 is operably supported by the housing 110 and includes a trigger 122, a linkage 126, a drive rod 130, and a biasing member 140. Trigger 122 includes a grip portion 123, an intermediate pivot portion 124, and a proximal extension 125. The grip portion 123 of the trigger 122 extends downwardly from the body portion 111 of the housing 110 in opposing relation to the stationary handle portion 112 of the housing 110. The grip portion 123 is configured to facilitate gripping and manipulation of the trigger 122. An intermediate pivot portion 124 of the trigger 122 is at least partially disposed within the housing 110 and defines a pivot aperture configured to receive the pivot post 114 of the housing 110 such that the trigger 122 is pivotable about the pivot post 114 and relative to the housing 110, for example, between an unactuated position, in which the gripping portion 123 of the trigger 122 is spaced apart relative to the fixed handle portion 112, and an actuated position, in which the gripping portion 123 of the trigger 122 is proximate relative to the fixed handle portion 112.

The proximal extension 125 of the trigger 122 is disposed on the opposite side of the intermediate pivot portion 124 as compared to the gripping portion 123 of the trigger 122, and thus on the pivot post 114. Thus, pivoting grip portion 123 to rotate proximally in one direction, e.g., toward stationary handle portion 112, pivots proximal extension piece 125 to rotate in the opposite direction, e.g., distally. A proximal extension 125 of trigger 122 is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of a link 126. A biasing member 140 is fixed at either end and extends between a proximal extension 125 of the trigger 122 and a support (not shown) provided within the stationary handle portion 112 of the housing 110. Pivoting the grip portion 123 toward the actuated position elongates the biasing member 140, which stores energy therein, such that upon release of the grip portion 123, the grip portion 123 returns toward the unactuated position under the bias of the biasing member 140. Although shown as an extended coil spring, the biasing member 140 may define any suitable configuration for biasing the grip portion 123 of the trigger 122 toward the unactuated position.

As described above, link 126 is coupled at its proximal end to proximal extension 125 of trigger 122. Link 126 is also pivotally connected at its distal end to the proximal end of drive rod 130. With this configuration, pivoting of the grip portion 123 of the trigger 122 toward the actuated position pushes the proximal extension 125 of the trigger 122 distally, which proximal extension 125 in turn pushes the link 126 distally, which in turn pushes the drive rod 130 distally.

In response to actuation of the trigger 122, the drive rod 130 can be slid through the body portion 111 of the housing 110 to push the distal end portion 132 of the drive rod 130 into contact with a proximal actuator of an inner drive assembly (not shown) of the elongate assembly, e.g., the elongate assembly 200 or the elongate assembly 300 (fig. 6) is engaged with the handle assembly 100 to fire a surgical clip supported on an end effector assembly of the elongate assembly. More specifically, the drive rod 130 is slidable from an unactuated proximal position corresponding to the unactuated position of the gripping portion 123 of the trigger 122 to an actuated distal position corresponding to the actuated position of the gripping portion 123 of the trigger 122 to distally advance a proximal actuator of an internal drive assembly (not shown) of the elongate assembly to fire a surgical clip supported at the end effector assembly of the elongate assembly.

The drive bar 130 may also include a ratchet rack 134, the ratchet rack 134 extending along at least a portion of an underside surface thereof. Ratchet rack 134 is configured to selectively interface with ratchet mechanism 150 to enable drive rod 130 to advance in either a ratchet state or a non-ratchet state. Ratchet rack 134 and ratchet mechanism 150 may be configured similarly to that described in, for example, International patent application publication WO/2018/035796 or International patent application publication WO/2017/124217, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

With continued reference to fig. 1-4, the rotation knob assembly 170 is rotatably connected to the distal nose 116 of the body portion 111 of the housing 110 and is configured to receive a proximal hub of an elongate assembly, such as the proximal hub 220 of the elongate assembly 200, which is connected to the handle assembly 100 in fixed rotational engagement therewith, such as via receipt of the indexing projections 222 (see fig. 2 and 4) within the recesses 178, such that the elongate assembly 200 can be selectively rotated relative to the housing 110 when the outer knob 172 of the rotation knob assembly 170 is rotated relative to the housing.

Referring now to fig. 1-4, 7 and 8, the latch assembly 160 of the present disclosure includes a lever 162, a pivot pin 164 and a biasing member 166. The lever 162 is at least partially disposed within the defined cutout 113, without the housing 110 of the handle assembly 100, so as to enable manual operation thereof. More specifically, the cutout 113 is formed by the mating of first and second cutout portions 113a, 113b defined within the first and second housing halves 110a, 110b, respectively, which mate to define the housing 110 (see fig. 8).

With additional reference to fig. 9, the rod 162 defines a distal engaging portion 163a, an intermediate portion 163b and a proximal manipulatable portion 163 c. The distal engagement portion 163a of the stem 162 includes an engagement tooth 180 extending therefrom. The engagement teeth 180 are configured to engage an elongated member, such as elongated member 200, inserted into the handle assembly 100. More specifically, as described above with respect to the elongate assembly 200, for example, upon insertion of the proximal hub 220 of the elongate assembly 200 into the handle assembly 100, the engagement teeth 180 are configured to project over the chamfered proximal edge 226 of the proximal hub 220 and engage within the annular channel 224, thereby locking the elongate assembly 200 into engagement with the handle assembly 100.

With particular reference to fig. 7, the pivot pin 164 of the latch assembly 160 pivotably couples the intermediate portion 163b of the lever 162 with the housing 110 of the handle assembly 100 such that urging the proximal handling portion 163c of the lever 162 into the housing 110 (toward the disengaged position of the lever 162) in a first direction disengages the distal engaging portion 163a of the lever 162 from the annular channel 224 of the proximal hub 220 of the elongate assembly 200 in an opposite second direction. The biasing member 166 is configured as a torsion spring having a main body 167a disposed about the pivot pin 164 and first and second legs 167b, 167b disposed between the housing 110 and the proximal operating portion 163c of the lever 162 to bias the proximal operating portion 163c of the lever 162 away from the housing 110 toward the disengaged position of the lever 162 to bias the distal engaging portion 163a toward the engaged position. However, other suitable configurations of the biasing member 166 are also contemplated.

Referring to fig. 7-11 in conjunction with fig. 1-4, the proximal operating portion 163C of the lever 162 can be selectively depressed into the cutout 113 of the housing 110, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, against the bias of the biasing member 166 to urge the distal engaging portion 163a from the engaged position (fig. 1 and 2; the disengaged position of the lever 162) toward the disengaged position (fig. 3 and 4; the disengaged position of the lever 162) to disengage the engagement teeth 180 from the annular channel 224 of the proximal hub 220 of the elongate assembly 200 and enable the elongate assembly 200 to be withdrawn from the handle assembly 100.

The proximal handle 163c of the stem 162, more particularly, includes an outer surface 168a, a sidewall 168b depending from the outer surface 168a in a generally perpendicular direction relative thereto and disposed about at least a portion of the periphery thereof, and a lip 168c extending from a free end of the sidewall 168b (opposite the end of the sidewall 168b connected to the outer surface 168 a) in a generally perpendicular direction relative to the sidewall 168b so as to define a shelf 168d extending outwardly from the sidewall 168 b. Shelf 168d extends along the sides and around the proximal end of sidewall 168 b. Intermediate portion 163b of rod 162 extends distally from the free end of sidewall 168b at the distal end of sidewall 168 b. As used above, "substantially" takes into account material and manufacturing tolerances.

As shown in fig. 1, 7 and 8, the outer surface 168a of the proximal manipulation section 163c of the lever 162 is substantially complementary in the engaged position of the lever 162 and is configured to substantially completely occupy the cutout 113 of the housing 110. As used above, "substantially" takes into account manufacturing and material tolerances of the shell halves 110a, 110b and the stem 162, which may result in the outer surface 168a not fully occupying and/or not fully complementary to the cutout 113 of the shell 110. Indeed, to ensure that the outer surface 168a is not too large for the cutout 113 (or the cutout 113 is not too small for the outer surface 168 a) (which would make these components incompatible and therefore unusable), the stem 162 and/or the shell halves 110a, 110b are manufactured with their tolerances in mind so that the outer surface 168a can fit within the cutout 113 even at maximum tolerance variations. As a result, it is often the case that the outer surface 168a does not fully occupy and/or is not fully complementary to the cutout 113 of the housing 110.

In an embodiment, the shell halves 110a, 110b are formed from a polymer material by injection molding and the stem 162 is formed from a metal by Metal Injection Molding (MIM), although other materials and/or manufacturing methods are also contemplated. The tolerance considerations detailed above are particularly relevant where different materials and/or manufacturing methods are used and/or less precise manufacturing methods are used to ensure that the tolerances do not "stack up" to make the components incompatible with each other.

With continued reference to fig. 1, 7, and 8, the outer surface 168a of the proximal manipulation portion 163c of the stem 162 in the engaged position of the stem 162 is further configured to substantially conform to the outer surface contour of the housing 110 surrounding the cutout 113 so as to minimize variation along the outer surface of the housing 110 and the outer surface 168a of the proximal manipulation portion 163c of the stem 162. The outer surface 168a may additionally define a recess 168e configured to receive a user's finger to facilitate depressing the proximal manipulation portion 163c of the lever 162 from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

Referring also to fig. 9, the shelf 168d of the proximal handle 163c of the stem 162, defined by its lip 168c, is configured to laterally abut or be adjacent the interior surface of the housing 110 and surround the proximal end of the cutout 113 in the engaged position of the stem 162. More specifically, shelf 168d is configured to extend outwardly from sidewall 168b, and thus outwardly from outer surface 168a, a sufficient distance so as to extend beyond cutout 113 and at least partially overlap the inner surface of housing 110. In this way, the shelf 168d covers any gap defined between the outer surface 168a of the proximal manipulation portion 163c of the stem 162 and the housing 110, thereby preventing visualization of the interior of the housing 110 (rather, only the shelf 168d is visible at any gap). It will be appreciated that the particular width of the shelf 168d is determined based at least in part on the above-mentioned tolerance variations such that the shelf 168d substantially covers any gap defined between the outer surface 168a of the proximal handle portion 163c of the stem 162 and the housing 110 regardless of the particular tolerance variations. In addition to accounting for tolerance variations, the shelf 168d also serves to cover any gap defined between the outer surface 168a of the proximal handling portion 163c of the stem 162 and the housing 110 due to lateral and/or longitudinal movement of the proximal handling portion 163c of the stem 162 relative to the housing 110.

Referring to fig. 7, 10 and 11, a proximal stop 169a is disposed on the shelf 168d of the proximal manipulating portion 163c of the lever 162 at the proximal end of the proximal manipulating portion 163c and extends therefrom toward the outer surface 168a of the proximal manipulating portion 163 c. The proximal stop 169a includes a stop surface 169b and angled guide surfaces 169c disposed on either side of the stop surface 169b and angled inwardly toward each other, thereby defining a wedge-shaped configuration of the proximal stop 169 a.

The proximal stop 169a acts as a positive stop for the proximal handle 163c of the lever 162 to prevent the lever 162 from moving beyond the engaged position. More specifically, in the engaged position of the lever 162, the stop surface 169b of the proximal stop 169a abuts a corresponding surface of the receiving portion 117 (see fig. 2, 4, 7, and 8) of the inner surface of the housing 110 disposed proximally adjacent the housing 113 to prevent further travel of the lever 162 under the bias of the biasing member 166.

The proximal stop 169a also serves as a centering feature in that, when the lever 162 is moved toward the engaged position with the proximal manipulation portion 163c in an off-center position relative to the cutout 113, one of the angled guide surfaces 169c of the proximal stop 169a (depending on the direction in which the proximal manipulation portion 163c of the lever 162 is offset relative to the cutout 113) contacts a corresponding and complementary guide surface of the receiving portion 117 (see fig. 2, 4, 7, and 8) of the interior surface of the housing 110, camming the proximal manipulation portion 163c of the lever 162 into alignment with the cutout 113 such that, upon reaching the engaged position, the proximal manipulation portion 163c of the lever 162 is centered relative to the cutout 113.

Referring generally to fig. 1-4 and 7, the insertion and engagement of an elongated member, such as elongated member 200, with handle assembly 100 and the use thereof is described. To engage the elongated assembly 200 with the handle assembly 100, the proximal hub 220 of the elongated assembly 200 is inserted through the outer knob 172 of the knob assembly 170 and into the distal nose 116 of the housing 110, with the engagement teeth 180 of the latch assembly 160 projecting on the chamfered proximal edge 226 of the proximal hub 220 and engaging within the annular channel 224 of the proximal hub 220 to rotatably engage the proximal hub 220 relative to the housing 110. Upon insertion of the proximal hub 220 by rotating the knob assembly 170, the indexing projections 222 of the proximal hub 220 are received within the longitudinally extending recesses 178 of the outer knob 172 to rotationally fix the proximal hub 220 relative to the outer knob 172.

As detailed above, with the elongate assembly 200 engaged with the handle assembly 100, the handle assembly 100 and/or the rotatable outer knob 172 can be manipulated to position an end effector 260 (fig. 5) of the elongate assembly 200 about the tissue to be treated. Once the end effector 260 is positioned as desired, the trigger 122 is pivoted toward the stationary handle portion 112 of the housing 110 to distally advance the link 126, which in turn advances the drive rod 130 distally through the housing 110 to distally advance an internal drive assembly (not shown) of the elongate assembly 200 through the elongate assembly 200 to fire and form a surgical clip around tissue from the end effector assembly 260 (FIG. 5). If desired, the above can be repeated to fire and form several surgical clips around the tissue.

To disengage the elongate assembly 200 from the handle assembly 100, for example for cleaning and/or sterilization, or to replace the elongate assembly 200 with another elongate assembly, the proximal manipulation portion 163c of the stem 162 of the latch assembly 160 is recessed inwardly into the housing 110 to disengage the engagement teeth 180 from the annular channel 224, thereby disengaging the stem 162 from the proximal hub 220 of the elongate assembly 200 and enabling the proximal hub 220 to be withdrawn distally from the housing 110 and the rotation knob assembly 170.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. The embodiments described with reference to the drawings are only intended to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods and techniques substantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (20)

1. A latch assembly for a surgical instrument, comprising:

a rod comprising a distal engaging portion, an intermediate portion and a proximal manipulatable portion, the proximal manipulatable portion comprising:

an outer surface comprising a side;

a sidewall depending from the outer surface along the side of the outer surface and surrounding a proximal end of the outer surface;

a lip extending from the sidewall to define a shelf extending outwardly from the sidewall along a side of the outer surface and around a proximal end of the outer surface; and

a proximal stop disposed on the shelf at a proximal end of the outer surface and extending toward the outer surface.

2. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the sidewall extends in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the outer surface.

3. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the lip extends in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the sidewall.

4. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal stop defines a stop surface and first and second angled guide surfaces are disposed on either side of the stop surface.

5. The latch assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a pivot pin pivotally supporting the intermediate portion of the lever thereon; and

a biasing member operably coupled to the pivot pin.

6. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the rod is a one-piece metal piece.

7. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the proximal manipulatable portion defines a pocket therein configured to receive a finger of a user.

8. A handle assembly for a surgical instrument, comprising:

a housing defining a cutout;

a drive assembly disposed within the housing;

a trigger pivotably connected to the housing and operatively associated with the drive assembly, the trigger being movable relative to the housing from an unactuated position to an actuated position to actuate the drive assembly; and

a latch assembly operatively connected to the housing, the latch assembly comprising:

a rod movable relative to the housing between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the rod including a distal engaging portion configured to releasably engage an elongate assembly inserted into the housing, an intermediate portion movably connected to the housing to allow movement of the rod relative thereto, and a proximal manipulable portion, the proximal manipulable portion including:

an outer surface substantially completely occupying the cutout of the housing in the engaged position of the lever, the outer surface including a side;

a sidewall depending from the outer surface along a side of the outer surface and surrounding a proximal end of the outer surface;

a lip extending from the sidewall to define a shelf extending outwardly from the sidewall along a side of the outer surface and around a proximal end of the outer surface, wherein, in the engaged position of the lever, the shelf extends outwardly beyond the cutout of the housing to at least partially overlap an inner surface of the housing; and

a proximal stop disposed on the shelf at a proximal end of the outer surface and extending toward the outer surface, wherein, in the engaged position of the lever, the proximal stop is configured to abut a portion of an inner surface of the housing.

9. The handle assembly of claim 8, wherein the sidewall extends in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the outer surface.

10. The handle assembly of claim 8, wherein the lip extends in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the sidewall.

11. The handle assembly of claim 8, wherein the proximal stop defines a stop surface configured to abut a portion of an inner surface of the housing in the engaged position of the lever.

12. The handle assembly of claim 11, wherein the proximal stop further defines first and second angled guide surfaces configured to contact the portion of the inner surface of the housing to guide the outer surface into alignment with the cutout when the lever is moved to the engaged position.

13. The handle assembly of claim 8, wherein the latch assembly further comprises:

a pivot pin pivotally connecting the intermediate portion of the lever and the housing to allow the lever to pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and

a biasing member operably coupled to the pivot pin and configured to bias the latch toward the engaged position.

14. The handle assembly of claim 8, wherein the housing is formed of a first material, and wherein the stem is formed of a second, different material.

15. A surgical instrument, comprising:

an elongate assembly including a proximal hub, a shaft extending distally from the proximal hub, and an end effector extending distally from the shaft; and

a handle assembly, comprising:

a housing defining a cutout;

a drive assembly disposed within the housing;

a trigger pivotably connected to the housing and operatively associated with the drive assembly, the trigger being movable relative to the housing from an unactuated position to an actuated position to actuate the drive assembly; and

a latch assembly operatively connected to the housing, the latch assembly comprising:

a rod movable relative to the housing between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the rod including a distal engaging portion configured to releasably engage the proximal hub of the elongate assembly, an intermediate portion movably coupled to the housing to allow movement of the rod relative thereto, and a proximal manipulable portion, the proximal manipulable portion including:

an outer surface substantially completely occupying the cutout of the housing in the engaged position of the lever, the outer surface including a side;

a sidewall depending from the outer surface along a side of the outer surface and surrounding a proximal end of the outer surface;

a lip extending from the sidewall to define a shelf extending outwardly from the sidewall along a side of the outer surface and around a proximal end of the outer surface, wherein, in the engaged position of the lever, the shelf extends outwardly beyond the cutout of the housing to at least partially overlap an inner surface of the housing; and

a proximal stop disposed on the shelf at a proximal end of the outer surface and extending toward the outer surface, wherein, in the engaged position of the lever, the proximal stop is configured to abut a portion of an inner surface of the housing.

16. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the sidewall extends in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the outer surface and the lip extends in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the sidewall.

17. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the proximal stop defines a stop surface configured to abut the portion of the inner surface of the housing in the engaged position of the lever.

18. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein the proximal stop further defines first and second angled guide surfaces configured to contact the portion of the inner surface of the housing to guide the outer surface into alignment with the cutout when the lever is moved to the engaged position.

19. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the latch assembly further comprises:

a pivot pin pivotally connecting the intermediate portion of the lever and the housing to allow the lever to pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and

a biasing member operably coupled to the pivot pin and configured to bias the latch toward the engaged position.

20. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the housing is formed of a first material, and wherein the rod is formed of a second, different material.

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